The Ascendant, otherwise known as the Rising Sign, marks the beginning of the chart as it is the point of the ecliptic by sign and degree that was ascending or rising over the Eastern horizon at the time of birth. It is the point of the intersection of the horizon and the ecliptic. It is the most important angle of the chart as it sets the chart by way of the other angles and the house cusps. Whichever house system is used to calculate the birthchart, the ascendant will be the same. The Ascendant also forms the cusp of the first house. It represents the way we present ourselves to others and how they see us on first impressions.

The Ascendant marks your entry into this world, the moment of birth. As the twelfth house is the house of confinement and things hidden, thus it is logical that emerging from the womb (12th house) you ascend into this world and make your first appearance.

Both the Ascendant and the first house determine your appearance and the physical body. Any planet within 8 degrees or so of the Ascendant, either in the twelfth or first houses, will colour the general appearance. Aspects made to the Ascendant from any planet will also bestow traits of whatever the planet rules, though in a much lesser degree than planets conjunct it. Any planet afflicting the ascendant is indicative of some kind of health problem, or a prominent blemish upon the body.

In

Mundane Astrology the Ascendant represents the people of the country and the image the country has.

In

Medical Astrology the Ascendant represents the patient. Transiting planets aspecting the Ascendant, being as it rules the physical body, can be indicative of injuries or illness. For more information, please see Medical Astrology.

In

Horary Astrology the Ascendant represents the querent (the person asking the question).